Rockford

U of I College of Medicine Plans New Rockford Building

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CHICAGO – AUGUST 17: Research assistant and graduate student Jackson Hoffman works on genes that regulate/control stem cell properties/characteristics in the biochemistry and molecular genetics lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago August 17, 2006 in Chicago, Illinois. Later in the lobby of the research building Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced the recipients of $5 million in new funding for Illinois’ stem cell research. (Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

The University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford campus is moving forward with plans for a $100 million building that'll focus on expanding rural health care, according to college officials.

The Rural Health Sciences Education Building will be built on the college’s existing campus and bring an additional 400 students to Rockford. University officials hope to expand on areas to educate rural health processionals including in dentistry, public health, social work and applied health.

Dr. Alex Stagnaro-Green, the college of medicine’s dean, said there aren’t enough health care professionals in less populated areas of the state.

“What started 50 years ago in Rockford as a regional medical school has grown to become a health sciences campus that is known for its work in preparing health care professionals to serve in rural and underserved areas,” Stagnaro-Green said in a statement.

University officials, who said the project will require funding from state, federal and philanthropic sources, hope to break ground in 2023.

Copyright The Associated Press
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